Model, of a steam condensing engine, made by Samuel Clegg

This model of a steam engine corresponds to designs dating from between about 1800 and 1805. The model itself, ordered in 1807, was at the University of Edinburgh' s natural philosophy class by 1833. The inscription, 'CLEGG, David Street, MANCHESTER' indicates that it was constructed by Samuel Clegg (1781-1861), an engineer and inventor, who was apprenticed to Boulton & Watt of Birmingham, and later became a pioneer in the introduction of gas lighting. A similar model is in the collection of the Manchester Literary & Philosophical Society.

The model is a double-acting single cylinder beam rotative engine, typical of full-scale engines manufactured by the famous firm, Boulton & Watt. This model can be steamed up and made to work, and doubtless was when it was part of the classroom demonstrations.

Models of this sort were used in lecture demonstrations at the Scottish universities, to show students the latest technological developments, particularly as natural philosophy (what we would call physics) was a part of the general arts curriculum. In any case, engineering did not become a separate university discipline until the late 19th century.

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